Europe's leading low-cost carrier, EasyJet, has announced a $300mn investment to establish its first-ever non-European base in Morocco, Al Arabiya Business reported on April 16.

The UK-based budget airline will operate three aircraft from its new base in Marrakech, marking a significant milestone in its expansion plans. The investment encompasses aircraft, staff, and facilities, with the aim of increasing the airline's capacity to 52 routes by summer 2026.

Founded in 1995 and headquartered at London Luton Airport, EasyJet operates an extensive network of over 1,000 routes across more than 30 countries.

The move follows a trend among major international carriers such as Ryanair and Air Arabia, which have also expanded their operations in Morocco. EasyJet’s entrance into the Moroccan market aligns with the country’s growing role as a leading African tourism destination. 

In 2025, Morocco attracted over 20mn tourists, and with an eye on the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the country is targeting 26mn visitors by 2030. The country generated over $13bn in tourism revenue in 2025. This momentum has continued into 2026, with Q1 already recording 4.3mn arrivals.

EasyJet’s new base is expected to provide up to 4mn seats annually, facilitating greater access for international travellers. It will also create around 100 local jobs, according to Al Arabiya Business. The focus will primarily be on increasing travel from key markets like the UK and Switzerland, with Marrakech, already a major tourism hub, set to benefit from this boost. This strategic expansion supports Morocco’s evolving status as a global travel hub.

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